City V Country Origin Teams -
Updated

The players in the 2004 City v Country Origin game have been named. For Country, Willie Mason, Amos Roberts and Glenn Morrison are named after a great start to their respective NRL seasons.
For City, Brett Hodgson's good form this season for Wests Tigers has been rewarded.

Penrith five-eighth Preston Campbell and Bulldogs halfback Brent Sherwin were omissions from the City-Country Origin squads announced on Sunday for the annual clash in Gosford on Friday night.

"You can't pick everyone," Country coach Ricky Stuart said about Campbell being left out of the 17-man Country squad which includes fellow Panthers Luke Priddis and Amos Roberts.

"He's been in terrific form and he's very unlucky."

It was thought City coach Graham Murray would pair Sherwin and Braith Anasta in the halves but the former missed out altogether.

Anasta and Melbourne ace Matt Orford will combine in the halves for City and will oppose Scott Hill and Country skipper Brett Kimmorley.

Another who can consider himself unlucky is Parramatta winger Eric Grothe, who has been in superb form this season.

St George Illawarra pair Jason Ryles and Trent Barrett and Newcastle forward Ben Kennedy weren't considered for Country because they are near certainties to play Origin for NSW when the interstate series kicks off on May 26.

"You have to be fair to the clubs in this position," said Stuart.

"Those guys fit and healthy are probably big chances to play Origin football."

"The opportunity of giving another younger player with the desire and enthusiasm to play in this match was an advantage for the team."